Michael Lever, a research assistant in the School of Clinical Sciences, is preparing for his future in academia.

With plans to start a PhD next year, he is getting a foothold in the laboratory of Professor Kei Cho, where he is conducting research into the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration, following his MSc in Molecular Neuroscience, completed at Bristol last year.

With an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, Michael completed his Master's with distinction.

A lifelong curiosity about science and evolution led him to develop an interest in the human brain, which he describes as being “probably the least understood aspect of all animal biology”. Bristol was a perfect choice for his MSc, because of its reputation as a centre of excellence in neuroscience.

The MSc in Molecular Neuroscience is framed around six taught modules and a research project. For the first eight months, students focus on theoretical aspects of the subject, followed by a  three-month practical, during which time they complete a research project.

The MSc is assessed on a regular basis, with course work and regular exams contributing to the final mark.

“I think that this is a good way of assessing performance,” said Michael. “As you have an exam at the end of each module, it really keeps you on your toes. It’s an intensive course with two to four hours of lectures each day as well as all the additional reading, preparation for seminars and assignments. I think I was working between 30-40 hours a week.”

For Michael, the research project was definitely the best part of the Master's, but he also enjoyed the variety of topics offered through the taught modules.

“I enjoyed learning about new research techniques and applying these to actual research in the lab,” he said. “It’s exciting having a range of tools at your fingertips that you can use to solve a problem. There is never any given outcome, but when results open up new lines of enquiry, it’s really exciting,” he explained.

Michael is confident that his MSc will stand him in good stead with regards to PhD applications for the next academic year. The course provided him with a solid grounding in molecular neuroscience theory, which will be crucial for research in the future.

“I would recommend doing the MSc, as it elevates you from the crowd,” Michael said. “Last year, I applied for PhD positions without success. Now, with my MSc, I’m in a much stronger position to realise my future ambitions.”

He plans to stay in academia, continuing his research and teaching future generations of molecular neuroscience students.

“Wanting to continue research was really my motivation for doing the MSc,” he said. “I would definitely recommend the course, as long as you realise that it requires one hundred percent commitment! For me, it’s made all the difference and I feel that I’ve got a good chance of starting a PhD next year.”

Further information

Michael Lever works in the laboratory of Professor Kei Choi in the School of Clinical Sciences at the University of Bristol.